Policy Connect and Make UK Winter Parliamentary Reception

Policy Connect recently hosted the annual Make UK and All-Party Parliamentary Manufacturing Group reception in the House of Lords, celebrating the strength and future of UK manufacturing. 

Chaired by Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE DL, the event brought together parliamentarians, industry leaders, and partners from across the sector for an engaging discussion on the opportunities and challenges ahead for manufacturing businesses.   

Chris McDonald MP, Minister for Industry, delivered a keynote speech – setting out the government’s priorities for supporting a competitive, innovative, and resilient manufacturing base.  

Catherine Atkinson MP also addressed the reception, emphasising the importance of supporting manufacturers, especially SMEs, across the UK and ensuring that skills, innovation, and opportunity remain at the heart of industrial policy.  

Stephen Phipson CBE, CEO of Make UK, highlighted the sector’s ongoing contribution to the UK economy and the need for long-term, stable policy to enable businesses to invest and grow. Policy Connect CEO, Claudia Jaksch, also spoke about the role of evidence-led policymaking and collaboration in driving sustainable industrial growth. 

The Manufacturing Commission, the research arm of the All-Party Parliamentary Manufacturing Group, is currently conducting an inquiry into the role of manufacturing SMEs in the delivery of the government’s Industrial Strategy.